Fire Protection at Methodist University

Fayetteville, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,637/yr (-55% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (34% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (150,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #20 of 20 Fire Protection programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes here suggest a challenging path, reflecting specific dynamics within the fire protection sector, especially in the Fayetteville region. While a degree can be valuable for leadership or administrative roles like fire inspection or safety management, many entry-level firefighting positions prioritize direct academy training and certifications. Local municipal departments or private industrial safety firms often look for candidates with extensive practical experience or specific local accreditations before a four-year degree. This can make initial job placement and salary growth difficult if you're not targeting those specialized, less direct-response roles. Your career trajectory will heavily depend on networking and understanding the specific hiring pipelines of potential employers, like local fire departments or industrial safety companies. If you're considering this program, deeply investigate the exact career paths it prepares you for and how those align with regional employer needs, focusing on internships and certifications that complement your academic learning.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fire Protection graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $445K $447K $422K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,656
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,912
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About Methodist University

With 75% of applicants admitted, Methodist University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,425 students in Fayetteville, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $99,912 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Methodist University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers $92,430/yr
Fire inspectors and investigators $78,060/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fire Protection at Other Schools

Other Majors at Methodist University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fire Protection at Methodist University?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fire Protection. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Fire Protection from Methodist University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →